indaba

Where does the word "indaba" come from? It comes from Zulu indaba, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).

Indaba’s story begins in Zulu: indaba meant “a gathering, a conference.” A gathering or conference to discuss an important matter. It reached English by 1900s as indaba. Zulu 'matter, affair'; the Scouts' World Indaba of 1929 spread the word. Today, indaba means a conference or meeting to discuss an important matter, especially in southern Africa.

1. Stage 1 · Zulu · medieval indaba "a gathering, a conference", a gathering or conference to discuss an important matter.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1900s indaba "a formal discussion or conference", Zulu 'matter, affair'; the Scouts' World Indaba of 1929 spread the word.